In an evening filled with laughter and smiles, actor Mike Epps and film and TV writer Kenya Barris visited USC for the UNFILTERED conversation hosted by the USC Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs on Nov. 17. In a conversation moderated by USC students Luke Swanson and Lola Barris, Epps and Barris talked through their creative legacies and impact on culture.
The duo journeyed through their artistic works, such as Black-ish and The Upshots and discussedwhat it took to create them. While describing the obstacles and triumphs they experienced in their rise to stardom, Epps said his individuality has fueled his creative pursuits.
“I’ve always had this idea that I can never be changed because I’ve never been accepted. I use not being accepted for all of my fire,” Epps said.
In the conversation, Swanson described the impact Epps and Barris have created in increasing Black representation in television and commended them for this work.
“It gets harder as you go up the level, but it’s worth it once you cross that thing and inspire a whole generation,” said Swanson. “All of us watch Black-ish and they’re like, ‘That’s that’s my mom, that’s my grandma.’ So it’s worth it to have somebody fight for us in our story.”
Epps talked in depth about the trials of learning the film business and how to navigate the industry as Black creatives. He said that he relied on the works of prominent Black filmmakers such as John Singleton and Barris to understand the industry and how to be successful in it.
“We invented a lot of things, but we didn’t invent the film business. So a hard lesson for us to know and learn is that this is not our business,” Epps said. “There are a few examples that we do have and we have to make that our Bible. We have to make Kenya [Barris] and John Singleton our Bible, guide and tool because they are examples of what we’re trying to do.”
Lola Barris asked Epps and Barris about the controversy they received regarding their upcoming comedy set in post-wildfire Altadena. Barris said that while it was hurtful to hear the negative comments, he welcomes the discourse because it allows space to grow and have important dialogue that could be transformative.
“The biggest critics have been us in anything [we’ve] ever done. Mike and I have always been real to our community and when people started saying things, it hurt a little bit,” Barris said. “But, I realized that groups like this are important because you have to be willing to exit a conversation differently than you entered it.”
Barris continued the dialogue by telling students to use social media to market, create and connect with diverse audiences. He also warned of the potential drawbacks students may experience while creating online content such as negative comments. He encouraged students to use social media to create dialogue about important issues.
“You guys have a lot more variation in who you are and you can learn a lot more from each other. But [social media] comments can really affect growth, progress, and development,” Barris said. “Instead of making a comment, ask a question. You will be surprised how often you create a dialogue that might change the way you feel about whatever.”
During the open Q&A portion of the event, students asked Epps and Barris about the best advice they’ve received while navigating the entertainment business. Barris cited filmmaker Tyler Perry as a source of inspiration and shared a story where Perry encouraged him to use his passion to create from the heart. Barris then used this advice to push students to take advantage of opportunities at USC.
“You do what you know and if you are really passionate about it and do it from the heart, you have an opportunity,” Barris said. “It’s hard to see the forest from the trees, but this is the NBA. You are in the league and that next step will bring you closer. So, take your shot.”
Epps and Barris encouraged students to continue going after their dreams — even if they seem impossible. Epps said that students are in a unique position because they attend one of the top film schools in the country. He told the crowd to use that to their advantage.
“Just know that you are the one percent. And when you are the one percent, the odds are against you, but it gives you the most heart,” Epps said. “You have to go through things that nobody’s going to go through and it looks possible. But the things that look impossible are the things that come true. And the reward for going for something that looks impossible is bigger than ever.”